"Art is like a second language, everyone should have a second language,.

by KVAL

Thousands of people made their way to Alton Baker Park on Saturday for some art, wine and food. The weekend marked the 35th time that the festival has been put on, which is a benefit for the Maude Kerns Art Center.

EUGENE, Ore. - Holiday weekend celebrations continued on Saturday with the 35th annual Art and the Vineyard Festival in Eugene.

Thousands of people made their way to Alton Baker Park on Saturday for some art, wine and food. The weekend marked the 35th time that the festival has been put on, which is a benefit for the Maude Kerns Art Center.

"We have a community of artists and vendors and staff at Maude Kerns, and the community, they all come together once a year," said David Wade. "It't like a family reunion."

A hundred artists from all over the country gathered to show off their work and support the center's exhibits and educational programs.

"Art is like a second language, everyone should have a second language," said Wade. "It's a different way of expressing yourself. It allows you to think creatively and anyone can learn to do art, anyone can learn that language."

That statement rings true for Margret Logan, who has been drawing for as long as she can remember.

"I am cultural, I've lived both in Eugene and Taiwan," said Logan, who was displaying some art at the festival. "Sometimes language in speaking is difficult for me. I'm a pretty shy person, but I've found that art is a pretty universal language, so while I'm doing my art, it's easier to express myself."

Logan and her mother, Teresa, are some of the 30 new artists who are showcasing their work for the first time at the festival.

"My daughter and I decided that we have to paint our paintings here, and people can see more what we do," said Teresa.

The three-day event attracts between 15,000 and 30,000 visitors, all coming together for a good time and a good cause.

The Art and the Vineyard Festivals will continue through the weekend, and will wrap up at 5 p.m.m on Sunday at Alton Baker Park.